how to make a hula hoop for beginners
Hi,
WATCH THE VIDEO
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE YOUR HOOP?
- PIPE usually used for cold water flow, symbol PE
- CONNECTOR that fits tightly into the pipe
- RIVETS
- TOOLS: pipe cutter, driller, riveter (check out the alternatives in Q&A section below)
- TAPES for decoration
Quantities:
PIPE : depending on the size of your hula hoop, you will need a defined length of the pipe. You can easily calculate it with the formula for the circumference of the wheel C=2πr which in practice means for example:
- if you need a 100cm hula hoop, than 50cm is your “r”, so C=314cm
- if you need a 110cm hula hoop, you “r” is 55cm & C=345,4cm
RIVETS : you’ll need 2 rivets.
TAPES : for this I highly recommend you using this calculator by HOOPOLOGIE
Making your hoop in 10 steps:
- Measure the height from the ground to your belly button. (If you are a plus size body type, don’t hesitate to add 10-20cm)
- Calculate the reiquired amount of your pipe.
- Measure the pipe, mark & cut it.
- Prepare the connector. If you are using other pipe that fits perfectly inside your hoop pipe, than cut 12cm of the smaller one.
- Fit the connector inside one end of your pipe.
- Drill a hole through one layer of the connector & pipe, to fit the rivet inside.
- Place the rivet & lock it with a rivetter.
- Connect both endings, by placing the connector inside the other end of you pipe.
- Secure the other ending with a rivet.
- Decorate your hoop with tapes.
Q&A
- Can I use other type of pipe?
Ofcourse! The recommended pipes for beginner hoops would be PE or HDPE, but if you have other, similar, or somehow you have access to the Polypropylene pipes, they will serve you as well. Pay attention to choose rather thicker pipe, to achieve a little weight for your first hoop, 19-25mm will do the job.
- What to do if I don’t have the tools like riveter, or pipe cutter?
Be creative about it, but stay safe! You can use a saw or a knife. The professional pipe cutter is not required, but it make things easier. If you calculate the length first, you can ask the seller in the shop, where you will be buying your pipe to cut it for you.
- What can I use instead of rivets?
& at the same time answering the question if rivets are required? NO. They are the best, secure & stable solution, but their mission is to secure the hoop from opening, so you can replace them for example by placing a metal pin or short nail, that will go only through the first layer of your pipes & cover it with tape.
- Do I have to tape my hula hoop?
You don’t have to, however it has it’s benefits. Beside the aesthetics using a tape on your hoop can provide you a better grip. If you don’t mind that your hoop stays “raw” you can provide the grip by sanding the inner surface of your hoop with scratch paper.
If you are still having doubts or questions about preparing your hoop, let me know in comments -maybe they will solve not only your problem. Good luck with you DIY hoop adventure!
Kafri.
photo: Michal Pawlik
video: Milena Lupa
LINKS:
- Effects of hula hooping and mini hooping on core muscle activation and hip movement
- Arm Hooping & the Anatomy of Exercise Pseudo-Science
- A six-week trial of hula hooping using a weighted hoop
- ACE-sponsored Research: Hooping—Effective Workout or Child’s Play?
- Can Hula Hooping Slim Your Waist?
- What Are the Benefits of Using a Weighted Hula Hoop?
Do weighted hula hoops provide a good workout, or are they just a gimmick?
Core exercises: Why you should strengthen your core muscles
